Chapter 18
Locksmiths, Lock Picks & Safecracking
After you've read this chapter (and especially some of these books) you'll
find your faith evaporating in so-called "burglar-proof" locks. You can
believe the burglars who (in some cases wrote a few of these books) know
what their talking about. Besides showing you how easy it is, they also
teach you how to take additional security measures - to keep your goodies
and family a lot safer than you have been. The purpose of this chapter is
to tell you what they know, so you can be aware of the existing problem.
TRICKS OF THE BURGLAR ALARM TRADE, by Mike Kessler
The burglar alarm you've installed will protect your property, family and
valuables, right? Guess again. A majority of alarms can be defeated by
amateur crooks using the least sophisticated methods. And many systems will
malfunction within months, leaving you with a collection of useless
hardware fastened to the walls.
This book will help you find and fix the weaknesses in your current system
or select and install a new one that will make your home or business truly
secure. And you won't have to wade through technical jargon, cryptic
diagrams or complicated references to electrical theory. his
straightforward guide will familiarize you with the ins and outs of closed-
circuit alarms and provide you with countermeasures to defeat any attempt
to bypass your system.
Whether you own an apartment, liquor store or mansion, this book will help
keep your property and loved ones safe. 8.5 X 11, softcvr, illus, 96pp $15
(TRICK)(851)
INVOLUNTARY REPOSSESSION or IN THE STEAL OF THE NIGHT, by John Russell III.
Revealed here are all the known methods that thieves use to steal cars.
Originally written for auto repossessors, police and locksmiths, this
unique guide enables the reader to open and start your locked, keyless car
in just a few minutes! This edition covers all American cars up to 1979.
Subjects explained are pin tumbler systems, side bar systems, impressioning
and lock picking, recovery methods, door lock removal, cutting keys by
reading tumblers, ignition bypass methods, bypassing locked tilt steering
wheels, key codes and locations, tumbler removal and many others.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illust., 64 pp, $11 (REPO)(160)
COMPLETE GUIDE TO LOCK PICKING, by Eddie the Wire.
One of the most precise, detailed books ever, this illustrated manual is
destined to become the professional locksmith's bible. You'll learn how to
open all kinds of locks, plus how to THWART tampering with your locks - to
protect your valuables and family. Of course, this book is aimed toward
only LEGAL entry, buy you'll gain confidence knowing that you can get in
(or out!) of any door without a key.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, 60 illustr., 80 pp, $15 (GD.LP)(77)
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL LOCK TOOLS - Vols 1-3, by Eddie the Wire.
Don't be locked out by the high prices of professional locksmiths! Learn
how to make your own professional lock tools from this three-volume set,
and no lock will deny you entry. Lockpicking pro Eddie the Wire brings you
complete directions for making lock tools better than store-bought tools
for less money. Materials are available from hardware stores - at dirt
cheap prices - and are readily made into professional tools with a minimum
of shop equipment and skill. Detailed drawings and directions will show you
how. Covered are car-opening tools, lock picks, impressioning tools, tools
for tubular locks and a lot more. This is a COURSE of locksmithing!
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illustr., 125 pp, $15 (LOCK.SET)(356)
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL LOCK TOOLS - Vols 4, by Eddie the Wire.
Eddie is at it again! This all-new book reveals additional hot techniques
on the cutting edge of the locksmith's trade.
Get the facts on cutting stock in just the right shapes, heat treating and
magnetizing picks, which kind of picks you'll need and how to make multiple
sets of picks - and sell the extras. The well-know (infamous?) author takes
you another step towards being a professional locksmith.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illust., 64 pp, $7 (LOCK.4)(665)
SECRETS OF LOCKPICKING, by Stephen Hampton.
Let no lock bar your way. Master locksmith Steven Hampton discloses all the
tricks and tools of the trade for bypassing keyed and combination locks
from pin tumbler locks to tubular cylinder locks, magnetic locks, door
locks, padlocks and automobile locks. Learn the secret of "seeing" into
every lock, discovering its simplicity. This is a perfect handbook for
locksmiths, or anyone on the outside trying to get in - after they've lost
their keys. 5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illus, 72 pp, $15 (LOCK)(643)
ADVANCED LOCK PICKING, by Stephen Hampton.
What are the qualities of the master lock picker? You must have confidence
that you have the skills and knowledge to open that lock, the ability to
improvise with or without proper tools, and caution when it comes to
breaching the security of unknown situations. Advance to the master level
with this well-illustrated guide, and gain insight into modern lock picking
methods.
Taking up where his first book SECRETS OF LOCK PICKING leaves off, master
locksmith Stephen Hampton describes the inner workings of the new high-
security locks and includes templates for making custom tools not available
on the commercial market. Schematic diagrams for portable electronic picks
to open magnetic key and card locks bring locksmithing into the electronic
age. Tips on enhancing finger sensitivity, increasing concentration, making
practice lock boxes, and more, will help you develop practical experience
that will enable you to enter virtually ANY locked door, car, or safe.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illust., 56 pp, $10 (ALP)(812)
TECHNIQUES OF SAFECRACKING, by Wayne B. Yeager.
No safe is completely safe because locksmiths must be able to rescue goods
if the lock breaks, or the combination knob is broken off by amateur
safecrackers. That means every safe is vulnerable - it's just a matter of
time and determination. This book discloses every known method for breaking
into safes, vaults and safety-deposit boxes. It begins with simple ways to
guess (or steal) combinations. In well-illustrated detail, it shows how to
drill, punch and peel a safe, as well as how high-tech hoods use torches
and explosives to get at your goodies. For the policeman, private eye,
security professional or anyone fortunate enough to have something worth
protecting, this book is an eye-opener!
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illustr., 96 pp, $13 (SAFE)(958)
LOCKS AND LOCKPICKING - A Basic Guide for Law Enforcement, Security, and
Military, by J.D. James.
In an emergency or other special situation, can you or someone in your
department open locks quickly, quietly and easily without a key? Knowledge
of how locks work and how to pick them is a valuable asset for any law
enforcement or security professional. This book takes this complex subject
and explains it in a concise, nontechnical manner.
From the simplest of warded locks to chain bolts, dead bolts, pin tumbler
locks, combination locks and even car door locks, this fully illustrated
manual will show you how they work, how to pick them and the proper tools
to use. This guide is an excellent introduction to the world of locks and
lockpicking. 5 3/8 X 8.5, softcover, illustr., 24 pp, $10 (LLP)(729)
LOCK PICKING SIMPLIFIED
Lock picking requires knowledge and lots of practice, but you will be well
on your way to mastering this little-known art with the help of this
manual. Inside you'll find descriptive sections covering all kinds of
picks, their respective locks and tumbler assemblages, disk tumbler picking
techniques and every necessary tool you need. A fine self-teaching manual
for beginners. 5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illust., 20 pp, $7 (LP.SIM)(121)
LOCKS, PICKS AND CLICKS
Let no lock dictate your life. Pick through any situation with this manual
used by OSS operatives behind enemy lines during WWII. Still used by the
CIA Technical Services Division personnel - with which Watergate
conspirators were associated - this book's revelations will be of interest
to historians, collectors and spy buffs.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illust., 70 pp, $10 (LPC)(122)
PICK GUNS - Lock Picking for Spies, Cops and Locksmiths, by John Minnery.
The ability to open locks without keys is no longer monopolized by
locksmiths who jealously guard their secrets. The pick gun has taken the
art of lock picking away from a select few and facilitated the ability for
ANYONE to open locks by mechanical means. Pick guns are openly sold to the
public via mail order magazines! Shouldn't you know more about them?
This book gives an overview of the mechanical principles of pick guns - how
they work and how to use them - and traces the development of the pick gun
from its early stages to its final state-of-the-art. Included are the
original patents by Epstein, Segal, Moore, Cook and others, as well as info
on pick guns used by the FBI and intelligence agencies. Photos show
improvised devices made out of coat hangers and clothespins.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, photos, illustr., 128 pp, $15 (PICK)(794)
THE LOCK PICK DESIGN MANUAL
This manual on lock pick design was (or still?) used by government agencies
to assist in surreptitious entry. Learn how the pros do their stuff, and
maybe learn how to frustrate them too. This is a small booklet, but well
worth the price. 8.5 X 11, softcover, illus., 24 pp, $7 (LP.DES.MAN)(120)
CIA FIELD-EXPEDIENT KEY CASTING MANUAL
How does the CIA agent get behind locked doors? One way is by casting a
duplicate key from an original. Lock picks are equally as good, but take a
few seconds longer, and it's more than embarrassing if someone sees you
"picking" a lock. When you can obtain a key, it's a lot easier and makes it
appear you have the legal right to entry. This manual tells you how to make
a duplicate when you can keep the original for just a short period of time.
(That's why you should remove all keys except the car key when leaving a
vehicle with a parking-lot attendant or garage! Inside your car is the
vehicle registration or other papers with your address. With a key to your
front door or office, it's like an open invitation to burglars.)
This step-by-step, self-checking guide takes you through the process of
preparing the casting mold, making the key impression, and casting a key
model, using a standard-issue or improvised clay-filled casting mold, low-
melting point casting metal and other readily available materials.
This straightforward text and clear instructions of this updated manual
give you the knowledge you need to create accurate keys to gain access to
off-limits areas without special equipment.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illust., 48 pp, $10 (KEY)(768)
SECURITY SYSTEMS SIMPLIFIED - Protecting Your Home, Business, and Car with
State-of-the Art Burglar Systems, by Stephen Hampton.
Learn professional secrets of protecting your valuables and family with the
critical analysis of modern intruder alarms. Master locksmith and security
specialist Stephen Hampton tells you:
* the difference between amateur and experienced burglars and the best way
to thwart both
* little-known tricks to improve the security of the locks on your doors
and windows
* how to create a car security system that will foil any thief
* the pros and cons of infrared detectors, perimeter systems, microwave
alarms, ultrasonic devices, proximity detectors and much more.
Avoid becoming a victim by discovering what security system is best for
your individual needs.
5.5 X 8.5, softcover, illustr., 128 pp, $14 (SECUR)(1011)
VIDEOS (VHS U.S. format only)
HIGH SPEED ENTRY - Instant Opening Techniques
After watching this video you'll have no problem going right through high-
security locks, hard-plate protection, rim-and-mortise cylinder dead bolts,
brick walls or steel bars. If you're a locksmith, private detective, cop,
repo man or serious hobbyist, this video will show you how the new breed of
instant-entry technicians get into, out of, around or through ANYTHING in
the blink of an eye. Let the experts show you how to use the new tools of
the trade: the Rabbit Tool and Hydra-force door openers, the Omni Force jam
spreader and two "miracle" tools that open almost any auto. Color, 60
minutes, $40 (HIGH)(897)
EXPERT LOCK PICKING - State-of-the-Art Lock Picking Secrets.
Some things simply can't be taught as effectively through books, and lock
picking may be one of them. This in-depth, on-camera course uses cut-away,
see-through locks, allowing you to view the inside mechanisms as they
respond to cutting-edge picking techniques. Instructor Ron Reed, winner of
California Locksmiths Association lock-picking championship, is one of the
best in the business. He'll show you how hand picks, rakes, snap guns and
electronic picks exploit the tolerances and weaknesses of common locks.
Observe the fastest ways to pick all kinds of locks, from the simplest
wafer locks to complex pin tumblers. Find out which picks work best on
which locks and how to modify picks to improve their performance. This
seminar on tape teaches inside tricks found nowhere else.
Color, approx. 50 min., $60 (EX)(900)
B & E: A TO Z - How to Get in Anywhere, Anytime.
Are you truly safe behind locked doors? How quickly can your locks be
defeated? Find out in this revolutionary, full-color video.
Nearly two full hours of step-by-step instruction detail the use of
computer-generated curve picks, rockers, magnetic lock picking, lockaid
guns, and electronic picks. You'll see the craft of picking pin tumbler,
wafer, tubular cylinder and padlocks; quick, undetectable methods for
beating the most popular locks in the U.S.; and opening safes via drilling,
burning bars, thermite and the European explosive method.
Whether you're a locksmith, a law enforcement officer, private detective or
just a concerned citizen, you cannot afford to miss this exceptional tape.
It's important YOU learn what THEY know to take counter-measures.
Color, 120 minutes, $60 (B&E)(686)
PERSONAL PICKS, with Eddie the Wire.
Diamond pick, snake pick, lifter, tension wrench - these are the tools of
the lock-picking trade. But getting picks from commercial suppliers can be
difficult, and many pros prefer the higher quality, precision and custom
designs of handmade tools. Let Eddie the Wire show you how to make a
complete tool set, including picks, tension wrench and protective case.
Discussions of equipment, stock, grinding, filing and finishing makes this
an unusual and valuable instruction videotape.
Color, about 72 minutes, $30 (PICKS)(752)
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